Official Reports From the Dallas Meeting - C&EN Global Enterprise

Jun 5, 1989 - The committee supported acquisition of a new electronic publishing system for the Books & Journals Division, recommended approval of the...
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Official Reports From the Dallas Meeting The major actions taken by the ACS Board and Council during the national meeting in Dallas were reported in C&EN, May 1, page 62.

Society Committee Reports Budget & Finance The committee reviewed both the 1989 financial status to date, and the performance for 1988. Last year was financially successful and this year is progressing satisfactorily although it is too early to report trends. Items related to the 1990 budget included the dues escalator, supplemental funding for dues-related activities, and support for discretionary budgets for the president, presidentelect, and immediate past-president of the society. The committee supported acquisition of a new electronic publishing system for the Books & Journals Division, recommended approval of the budget and agreement for the Fourth North American Chemical Congress, and accepted subcommittee recommendations with respect to bylaw and constitutional amendments. The committee concluded its business by receiving reports from the Campaign for Chemistry, the Presidential Conference on ACS Membership, and the society committees on Chemical Abstracts, on Education, and on Publications. Paul H. L. Walter, chairman

Chemical Abstracts Service The committee reviewed CAS financial performance for 1988, which was significantly more favorable than budget with higher sales for both printed and online services, especially outside the U.S. Foreign exchange finances continued to be favorable. Research was reported on the "Exploration of a Large Concept-Oriented Database for Information Retrieval/' This method goes beyond simple word retrieval techniques of present search systems and is based on determining how to represent "concepts" more fully. A revised, more liberal, set of guidelines for the reuse of CAS information was approved. It was based on the needs

of users of CAS services for more effective use of information retrieved and copied from CAS services. A pilot experiment for CAS to produce services deliverable at prices affordable by individual members was approved. The first experiment will involve a printed service; a later experiment on a computerdelivered service is expected. The academic discount for CAS Online will be slightly reduced in 1990 and 1991 for Ph.D.-granting institutions. Still, a very favorable discount will be maintained. New international cooperation is being built through negotiations with Telesystemes, an information service organization in France. The first concrete action will be joint purchase by both ACS and Telesystemes of an interest in Hampden Data Services, a software firm in England which specializes in personal computer software for chemical structure handling. Joseph A. Dixon, chairman

Education Outside funding has helped the Education Division provide record distribution of its products. WonderScience reached a distribution level of 10,000; ChemMatters exceeded 60,000 copies per issue; and nearly 35,000 copies of Chemistry in the Community were sold to schools in over 40 states—including 11 state adoptions or approvals of the text. A record number of local sections (154) will participate in the Chemistry Olympiad progam this year. The "Doing Chemistry" videodisc-based program for high school teachers will train 200 lead teachers to use the newly released discs as an in-service vehicle for promoting effective use of classroom demonstrations. Details of these and other programs can be found in the ACS Educational Division Program Summaries booklet, available from the ACS Education Division in Washington. In 1988, the continuing education programs broke new records in the number of people served, and 1989 has started out very well. Referring to the first ACS videoteleconference held with 41 sites participating, the committee encouraged staff to continue tô explore the possibilities of videoteleconferencing,

which it views as an opportunity to expand our services to large numbers of ACS members. The committee also prioritized existing programs to keep the society's programs as efficient and timely as possible. The committee identified and prioritized a number of new activities it would like to introduce. The committee's chief priority for new ACS activity is an expansion of society efforts at the prehigh school level. The committee discussed the draft report of the invitational conference held in November 1988 at Westminster, Md., to explore the interactions of teachers, texts, tests, and technology at the high school/college interface. A final report will be prepared for approval in Miami Beach this fall. Ronald D. Archer, chairman Publications The committee elected John G. Verkade as its vice chairman. The new journal, Bioconjugate Chemistry, is proceeding on schedule, with publication of the first issue planned for January 1990. The committee recommended 1990 subscription prices for the Publications Division, including the proposed additional costs associated with the use of acid-free paper. The final report of the task force to monitor Organometallies will be submitted to the committee for discussion at the Miami Beach meeting in September. The next publication to be monitored will be the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The committee recommended that the 1989 budget be modified to permit the publication of 1000 additional journal pages in 1989 at a cost of about $200,000. Jean'ne M. Shreeve, chairman

Board Committee Reports Standing Committees Grants & Awards The committee approved 146 ACS-PRF grants-in-aid totaling $3,636,415 from a total of 411 proposals. Comments are injuries, 1989 C&EN

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ACS News vited from the scientific community on any aspect of the Petroleum Research Fund's grant programs and operations, for consideration during a program review which the PRF Advisory Board has initiated. The committee will seek nominations for the 1991 Charles Lathrop Parsons Award to recognize outstanding public service by an ACS member. A new sponsor is sought for the ACS Award for Nuclear Chemistry. John G. Verkade, chairman

Professional & Member Relations The committee reviewed year-end 1988 membership statistics, received a report on this year's membership promotion campaigns, and discussed a preliminary report of recommendations from the recent conference on membership development. Considering membership attrition data and the conference recommendations in tandem, the committee agreed that programs for bachelor's degree chemists were most needed; thus, it suggested that a task force composed of representatives from a number of society groups be created to develop specific initiatives to address this need. In other actions, the committee endorsed a proposal to promote increased interactions and explore opportunities for collaboration with other scientific societies, reviewed the status of efforts to implement recommendations from the conference on professionalism held last September, and reiterated its support for ACS cosponsorship of an international conference on high-level radioactive waste management. Ned D. Heindel, chairman

Public Affairs & Public Relations The committee reviewed the resolution adopted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in which the U.S. is urged to return to the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization, recommending that the board of directors adopt a similar resolution for transmittal to appropriate government officials. A report from the Department of Public Communications highlighted activities at the Dallas meeting that included making arrangements with the Dallas Times-Herald to publish a special ACS edition each day of the meeting week, arranging over 25 press conferences, and making more than a dozen TV placements. A "preproposal" was submitted to the National Science Foundation for funding the department's "Media Science File" electronic bulletin board. The Department of Government Relations & Science Policy reported on vari28

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ous government relations projects including a recent meeting between Administration officials and representatives from ACS; a series of Congressional hearings on either the fiscal 1990 budgets of NSF or the Department of Energy at which ACS will testify; and the positive reaction to the department's "Chemical Risk Communications" manual—of which almost 14,000 copies have been distributed since the first of the year. The committee received an update on National Chemistry Week activities. Specifically mentioned was progress on the newspaper inserts to be distributed to approximately 6 million households during National Chemistry Week. The committee also was briefed on the latest developments regarding the ACS/Smithsonian Institution Project and the multimedia French chemistry exhibit, recently purchased by ACS for viewing at museums in various parts of the U.S. Helen M. Free, chairman

Other Committees Chemical Safety (joint with Council) The publication "Chemical Safety Manual for Small Businesses" has been published and is already receiving wide interest. The fifth edition of the manual "Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories" is in revision with a proposed publication date of September 1989. About 125,000 copies of the current fourth edition have been distributed; this is a strong indication of the value of the manual in promoting safety. A project is under way to index C&EN safety notes and to consider expansion of the ACS Safety Referral Service. Many projects continue in the areas of college, high school, and prehigh school safety. Stanley H. Pine, chairman

Chemistry & Public Affairs (joint with Council) The committee reviewed H.R. 996, "Congressional Scholarships for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Act," which would establish a meritbased scholarship program for undergraduate education in these areas. The committee has submitted a draft resolution in support of H.R. 996 for board consideration and subsequent transmittal to Congress. The committee also discussed a draft document outlining a future mode of operation for the committee that would focus on definition, analysis, and pro-

posed priority setting for a limited number of possible public affairs issues. Proposed action would be recommended to enhance initial effectiveness in these key missions. The committee expects to submit the document for board review in Miami. The committee received reports from staff regarding potential issues affecting the chemical sciences. Recommendations relative to "Europe 1992" will be discussed at its July meeting, and the issues of "bioremediation" and "biomonitoring" will be referred to its task forces. Relevant tax issues, leveraged buyouts and their impact on R&D, and Clean Air Act issues also were discussed. The committee will monitor these closely and take assertive action when appropriate. Monte C. Throdahl, chairman Copyrights (joint w i t h Council) The committee continues its campaign to help educate chemists about the importance of copyright. At the committee's open meeting, staff liaison Barbara Polansky gave a tutorial on copyright basics. For the fall 1989 meeting, the committee will hold a special open session featuring a panel to address the pitfalls of copying. In addition to its educational activities, the committee has been monitoring legislative issues and judicial decisions that may affect the society. Current issues include U.S. adherence to the Berne Convention (an international agreement), and legislation introduced regarding the Eleventh Amendment and Works Made for Hire. The committee also recommended to the Publications Division that the society enter the Copyright Clearance Center's pilot program to license photocopying in colleges and universities. Dorit L. Noether, chairman Economic Status (joint w i t h Council) Planning and preparation, together with the Women Chemists Committee, for the 1990 comprehensive salary survey, which will be mailed to all ACS members early next year has begun. Preparations are being made to update and expand a survey conducted in 1980 among ACS Corporation Associates to gain information about retirement benefits and retirement law. This will help provide a database of employer-paid benefits in order to facilitate surveys of the membership in this complicated area. Efforts are being developed to respond to several of the recommendations made at the 1988 and 1989 presidential conferences. The committee has

formed two new task forces—jointly with the Committee on Membership Affairs—on pension portability and on the professional status of chemists, especially those at the bachelor's level. The committee is also seeking ways to improve communication to members about the wide variety of ACS services and benefits already available. John S. Connolly, chairman

Environmental Improvement (joint with Council) The committee voted to create a Task Force on Air Toxics; agreed to comment on legislation regarding application of the Delaney clause to pesticide residues on food; discussed a white paper on Proposition 65-type legislation; and agreed on sponsorship of two symposia in 1991 on "Principles of Environmental Analysis" and on V/ Human Biomonitoring for Environmental Pollutants." In a policy statement to PresidentElect George Bush last fall, ACS recommended that an Institute on Risk Assessment Methodology be established. The White House has responded positively to this recommendation; the committee will develop a plan to present to the White House regarding establishment of the institute. Joan Berkowitz, chairman

International Activities (joint with Council) The committee received reports on ACS Project Bookshare, the sub-Saharan journals donation program, ACS activities fostering human rights and scientific freedom, recent and future CHEMRAWN projects, activities of the International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, and the program of "minisabbaticals" for Argentine scientists visiting in the U.S. The committee authored a petition for amendment of the ACS bylaws to allow creation of overseas chapters of the society. It also seconded the board of directors' resolution urging return of the U.S. to the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization. Helen M. Free, chairman

Patents & Related Matters (joint with Council) The committee agreed to draft four policy statements on legislation introduced during this Congress. Topics are animal patenting, per se antitrust reform, commercialization and marketing joint ventures, and patents in space. In addition, the committee will draft a policy statement on proposed regulations for inequitable conduct before the Patent & Trademark Office. The committee will

assist the ACS Department of Government Relations & Science Policy in conducting a senior Congressional staff briefing during the summer. The committee is considering options for focusing on facilitating elementary and preelementary education in chemistry inventiveness. In addition to promoting patent understanding among chemists, the committee has suggested a patent speaker for each of the circuits of the ACS Speakers Service. Possible plans for future education projects include articles for the Journal of Chemical Education and CHEMTECH and two programs at 1990 national meetings. Committee members are participating in the revision of the ACS Audio Course on patents and "Understanding Chemical Patents," an ACS bestseller, and in promotion of the ACS Short Course on patenting fundamentals. The committee will investigate implementing technology transfer clearinghouses and developing a "Hitchhiker's Guide to Technology Transfer." The committee selected ACS candidates to be nominated for the National Inventors Hall of Fame Awards. Rose Ann Dabek, chairman

Planning (ad hoc) (joint with CPC Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning) The two planning committees met jointly as has been the custom for several years. The principal topic of discussion was the organization of ACS in the area of planning. The agenda contained two informal draft proposals for restructuring the society's planning committees. These proposals had been provided to the Committee on Committees for its consideration. Following independent discussions, the three committees met together and agreed on a direction for drafting a more formal proposal that will be circulated broadly for further review and criticism. William A. Nevill, chairman Board Committee on Planning; Milton H. Campbell, chairman, CPC Subcommittee on LongRange Planning

Professional Programs Planning & Coordinating (joint with Council) The committee prepared an updated list of symposia to be arranged by some of its constituent groups at future national meetings of the society. It also heard reports from staff about ongoing surveys and studies, including the "Needs" study, and summaries by the chairmen of current activities of related committees. The largest block of time was devoted to a discussion of coordination of com-

mittees and to the appropriate role of this committee as a 'lead' committee. This discussion will continue at the September meeting in Miami Beach. Donald L. Kiser, chairman Professional Training (joint w i t h Council) Five-year and related réévaluation reports from 88 ACS-approved departments were reviewed by the committee. Reports from 11 departments applying for ACS approval were evaluated. The committee discussed parameters for a study of general chemistry programs and undergraduate laboratory experience at ACS-approved schools. A subcommittee will draft a questionnaire for committee approval at the ACS meeting in Miami Beach in September. Revision of "Planning for Graduate Work in Chemistry" is being investigated by the committee. The last edition of this committee publication appeared in 1975. A subcommittee was appointed to review comments received on an initial draft of a chemical materials option. A proposal for a chemical physics option was deferred to a later meeting. The committee approved publication of summaries of papers presented at the 50th Anniversary Symposium of CPT. Copies of the booklet will be made available to all undergraduate chemistry departments. In other actions, the committee approved $55 as the price of the "1989 ACS Directory of Graduate Research"; addition of geochemistry and environmental chemistry programs in the 1991 edition of the directory; cooperation with the ACS Office of Professional Services in preparing an education issue for its series of reports on professionals in chemistry; and inclusion of BITNET addresses with the CPT annual list of chairmen and heads of departments. Marjorie C. Caserio, chairman Science (joint w i t h Council) The committee has sent to all local sections a request for proposals for funding of local section speakers bureaus; written to divisional officers and program chairmen informing them about a trial program of "recent developments" poster sessions; formulated recommendations for better development of biotechnology-related activities within ACS; formed, jointly with the Society Committee on Education and the Committee on Professional Training, a task force to mobilize and integrate the chemistry research and teaching communities, requested proposals from ACS divisions for creation of pedagogical symposia at ACS national meetings, and June 5, 1989 C&EN

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ACS News received the first report from the subcommittee to monitor the level of federal funding for chemistry. J. Ivan Legg, chairman

Younger Chemists (joint with Council) The committee conducted two symposia during the Dallas meeting. "Emerging Technologies in High-Temperature Superconductors/' the most recent title in an ongoing series on emerging technologies, presented three aspects of hightemperature superconducting ceramic materials: molecular chemistry, processing, and crystal growth of the superconducting phase. The committee forum titled "Getting a First Job" addressed successful techniques for résumé writing, using the National Employment Clearing House and other ACS career services, interviewing, taking the day visit, and preparation and timing for an academic position. At its executive session, the committee heard reports from its representatives to the President's Conferences on Professionalism and on Membership; committee plans to discuss those items of specific interest to younger chemists at future meetings. The committee supported a graduated dues structure, but was split on whether implementation should be by years out of school or by salary. Fall roadshows were planned for the West (University of California, University of Utah), North (University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin), and Midwest (University of Iowa, Notre Dame). A test pilot training session, "How to Run a Roadshow," at the Midwest Regional Meeting will initiate efforts to branch out with the roadshow program. Pamela S. Tucker, chairman

Council Committee Reports Elected Committees Committees The committee continues to review the need for formation of additional society committees (such as Planning, Professional & Member Relations, and Public Affairs /Public Relations) and/or the realignment of some present committees. The committee, met jointly with the board ad hoc Committee on Planning and the CPC Subcommittee on LongRange Planning to discuss a revised proposal for a Committee on Planning. The committee was pleased with the concept and direction of the new proposal and has encouraged the board committee/ 30

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CPC subcommittee to continue to refine its ideas for a Committee on Planning. As a part of the committee's five-year cyclical reviews of joint board-council and other committees, three joint boardcouncil committees (Economic Status, Chemistry & Public Affairs, and International Activities) and two "other" committees (Admissions and Women Chemists) were reviewed. Final reports will be presented in Miami Beach. The committee-sponsored caucuses for new committee chairmen have been well received. To stimulate increased attendance, consideration will be given to a new time for the caucus at the Boston meeting next spring. Natalie M. Foster, chairman

Nominations & Elections As part of the committee's continuing review of national ACS election campaigning, a questionnaire will be sent to all councilors and candidates in recent national elections to elicit their views on the matter. The survey seeks to measure opinions on campaigning and to identify ways to render national elections more informative and valuable to voting members. As an experiment this fall the order of names of the candidates in one of the national elections will be randomly varied. The committee wishes to examine the possibility that voters more often select the first name on a list of candidates. The committee developed lists of potential candidates for election to the Council Policy Committee and the Committee on Committees. At the fall meeting in Miami Beach, the committee will again briefly introduce to the council candidates for all three elected council committees to enable councilors better to associate names and faces before votingAt the fall meeting the committee will prepare slates for 1991 president-elect, 1991-93 directors-at-large, and 1991-93 directors from Regions III and VI. Eli M. Pearce, chairman

Standing Committees Constitution & Bylaws The committee, acting for the council, I approved amendments to the bylaws of I the Baton Rouge, Cincinnati, Delaware, Mississippi, Northeastern, Peoria, Southeastern Texas, and Trenton local sections, and the following divisions: I Analytical Chemistry; Cellulose, Paper & Textile Chemistry; Chemical Health & Safety; Fluorine Chemistry; Geochemistry; Medicinal Chemistry; Polymer Chemistry; Rubber Chemistry; and Small Chemical Businesses. Revisions in the charter bylaws for I

new local sections were approved by council, and the petition, "Headquarters for Local Sections," was approved by council. The petition, "Definition of a Division," was recommitted by council to the Committee on Divisional Activities. A new petition, which incorporates almost identical language into the bylaws rather than the constitution, will be submitted for urgent action in Miami Beach. The petition, "Meetings of the Society," which was referred to the Council Policy Committee in Los Angeles, has been reviewed. A new petition, incorporating new language in the bylaws rather than the constitution, has been submitted for urgent action in Miami Beach. The petition, "Procedures for Presenting Late-Breaking Symposia at National Meetings of the Society," was presented to council for consideration. Recommended changes have been incorporated in the petition, and a revised version will be presented to council for action in Miami Beach. Charles B. Lindahl, chairman Divisional Activities Divisional membership has declined slightly; however, this appears to be somewhat in keeping with overall society membership. The ongoing review of divisions continues. All annual reports from divisions will be reviewed to determine the status and goals of each. The committee was concerned about the trends at national meetings: the decline in national meeting attendance versus percentage of national membership, and the increase in papers, resulting in an attendance-to-paper ratio of 2.5 to 1. Division response to questionnaires regarding future programing at national meetings and other input will help ensure that the divisions' programing needs will be integrated into the society's future planning. The committee and the Committee on Constitution & Bylaws agreed to recommit the petition "Definition of a Division" as a bylaw amendment to be brought up for "urgent action" at the Miami Beach meeting. The booklet "ACS Divisions—Powerhouses of Professional Opportunity," will be updated with help from divisions. The meeting program deadlines and topics bulletin boards are available on Telenet for use by division officers. In addition, the committee believes that divisions can make a useful contribution to the National Chemistry Week program and offers the committee as a coordinating body between staff and divisions. Kenneth N. Edwards, chairman

Local Section Activities The committee is reviewing the 1988 lo­ cal section annual reports. As in the past, a number of sections have devel­ oped excellent local short courses and continuing education courses that can be used as possible models to help other sections. Many sections have spearhead­ ed new initiatives such as the Chemistry Olympiad, National Chemistry Day, and, this year, National Chemistry Week. New opportunities are now avail­ able to local sections; for example, for­ mation of retired chemists groups, younger chemists groups, speakers bu­ reaus for the general public, and partici­ pation in exciting new hands-on chem­ istry exhibits. However, the committee is concerned about how each local sec­ tion will establish priorities of time, hu­ man resources, and financial support to meet the society's expectations of local section involvement. In other actions, the committee rec­ ommended council approval of a re­ quest from the Toms River subsection of the Philadelphia Section to form the Ocean County Section, and of the con­ stitutional amendment petition that would eliminate mandatory naming of headquarters cities for local sections; ap­ proved continuation of the program of­ fering local section membership rosters on floppy disks; and agreed to work with the Committee on Science to en­ courage the establishment of local sec­ tion speakers bureaus aimed at improv­ ing the public understanding of chemis­ try. The committee also announced pub­ lication of the "Communications Guide," which is now available from the Local Section Activities Office. Stephen A. Rodemeyer, chairman

Meetings & Expositions The committee reviewed site selection criteria, which includes cost to mem­ bers, quality and location of meeting rooms and exposition facilities, travel access, and general ambiance of a city. Council approved recommendations to the board of directors that the 215th national meeting be held in St. Louis from March 29-April 3, 1998, and the 216th national meeting be held in Or­ lando from Aug. 23-28,1998. The coun­ cil also approved the recommendation that the dates of the 210th national meeting, scheduled in Chicago, be changed from Aug. 27-Sept. 1 to Aug. 20-25,1995. The committee forwarded to the Com­ mittee on Constitution & Bylaws a re­ vised version of the petition on a proce­ dure for presenting late-breaking sym­ posia at national meetings. Other topics discussed by the commit­ tee include regional meeting date con­

flicts, and development of a program of luncheon lectures by distinguished sci­ entists at future national meetings. Valerie J. Kuck, chairman M e m b e r s h i p Affairs A detailed study on the demography of ACS membership recently undertaken by the committee pinpointed various trends in membership attrition, which has intensified, especially during the past five years. The largest segments of those leaving the society are members under the age of 35 and B.S. chemists. Although it appears that many benefits of ACS membership are not evident to some new members, it is also true that all members expect tangible benefits for their dues dollar. The committee has studied the ACS dues structure and de­ veloped a proposal to establish a gradu­ ated dues system based on salary; a peti­ tion to amend our governing documents accordingly is being submitted for council consideration in Miami Beach. The committee also recommended that the dues for 1990 be kept at the 1989 level while at the same time the existing benefits of membership should be bet­ ter publicized and proposals for addi­ tional ones to make ACS membership more valuable should be worked out. In other actions, the committee voted to pursue the possibility of reduced na­ tional meeting registration fees for members in retired status and to encour­ age the expansion of ACS electronic communication capabilities. The com­ mittee also is working with various oth­ er committees to promote the formation of local section retired chemists groups, develop a proposed ACS position on pension portability, and discuss possi­ ble certification of chemical profession­ als. Additionally, the quest for possible new activities that would increase the number of tangible benefits offered to ACS members continues. Attila Ε. Pavlath, chairman Professional Relations No completed multiple termination in­ vestigations were reported. Investiga­ tions are under way at three companies. The committee voted to prepare a let­ ter to the ACS president and board of directors recommending that ACS de­ cline to endorse the Intersociety Profes­ sional Guidelines at this time, but to en­ courage the development and use of the guidelines by engineering societies. Over 18,000 copies of the new (1988) edition of the ACS Professional Employ­ ment Guidelines have been distributed. In line with a recommendation from the President's Conference on Profes­ sionalism, CPR voted to merge member

assistance and career counseling pro­ grams and to establish and publicize a hotline number. Twenty-four members attended the two-day ACS Career Development Tu­ torial conducted by D. Rodman and D. Daniel of the ACS staff. The registration for the National Em­ ployment Clearing House included 519 candidates and 172 employer organiza­ tions, represented by 212 employer in­ terviewers; 462 positions were posted and 2106 interviews were scheduled. The Task Force on the President's Conference sent a letter to various soci­ ety entities to determine which of the 12 major conference recommendations they plan to act on, and will report the findings at the fall meeting. Esther A. H. Hopkins, chairman

Other Committees Project SEED The committee approved 240 economi­ cally disadvantaged students to partici­ pate in research programs at 88 institu­ tions this summer. Twenty minority stu­ dents will participate as National Science Foundation Young Scholars, under the direction of Project SEED, at four colleges across the country. This expanded program will include classes, field trips, and academic-year activities, in addition to the summer research pro­ gram. The award letters for this year in­ cluded information on two sources for additional matching funds: the National Science Foundation and the local offices administering funds from the Jobs Training Partnership Act. SEED precep­ tors are being encouraged to expand their programs by increasing the amount of local funding. The committee is organizing efforts to involve more institutions and local sec­ tions in Project SEED. A presentation is planned for the next national meeting to help local sections start a SEED pro­ gram. Ideas were discussed on how to increase the participation in large urban areas where there are higher numbers of minority students. Edwin Harper, chairman W o m e n Chemists A strong group of applications for the first Eli Lilly & Co. Travel Awards for Women Students was reviewed by the committee, which will administer the awards. The criteria for awarding the grants were reviewed and some modifi­ cations suggested. "What ACS and Its Members Can Do To Encourage Women in Chemistry" Was the topic of a well-attended one-day symposium cosponsored with the diviJune5, 1989C&EN

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ACS News sions of Chemical Education, of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, and of Professional Relations, and the committees on Corporation Associates and on Local Section Activities. The committee continues to cooperate with the Committee on Economic Status in planning for the 1990 comprehensive five-year salary survey. The committee will establish task forces with other ACS committees to coordinate for education, local section activities, employment services, and reproductive safety concerns. The committee also continues to be involved with the Member Needs Task Force. Luncheon meetings for women chemists are scheduled for the 1989 Middle Atlantic, Central, and Southeastern regional meetings. In addition, a women chemists symposium has been organized for the Great Lakes Regional Meeting. Kathleen M. Trahanovsky, chairman Your views on matters reported by committees will be welcomed by the respective chairmen, tetters sent in care of J. W. Collât, 1155—16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, wiil be forwarded promptly.

Changes in analytical reagent specifications The ACS Committee on Analytical Reagents at its meeting on April 6 authorized early announcement of the changes in the 7th edition of "Reagent Chemicals—ACS Specifications'' cited below. 1. For both Ammonium Thiocyanate and Potassium Thiocyanate substitute "Not more than 0.004 m e q / g " in the requirement for Iodine-consuming Substances on pages 121 and 543, respectively. For the test on page 122 change the volume from "10 mL" to "2.0 mL" in the last sentence; on page 545 change "0.1ΛΓ" to "0.01N" and "1.0 mL" to "2.0 mL" in the last two sen­ tences. 2. For Carbon Disulfide on page 201 under the Residue after Evapo­ ration test, delete the last sentence. 3. For Cupric Chloride Dihydrate in the Insoluble Matter test, change the first sentence on page 238 to: "Use 10 g in 10 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid (1 + 50). Omit heating." On page 239 delete the ad­ dition of 2 mL of hydrochloric acid in the Sulfate test. 32

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4. In the Insoluble Matter test for Cupric Nitrate Hydrate, page 240, and Cupric Sulfate Pentahydrate, page 245, add the statement, "Omit heating." For Cupric Acetate Monohydrate, page 236, insert "Omit heat­ ing" between the first and second sentences. 5. For Iodine and Requirements, page 336, delete "Form. Sublimed crystals." Any questions or comments may be directed to William E. Schmidt, Secretary, Chemistry Department, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052. Π

Southwest Regional call for papers The ACS 45th Southwest Regional Meeting will be held in Baton Rouge, La., Dec. 6-8, at the Baton Rouge Hilton Hotel. Sponsored by the ACS Baton Rouge Section, the meeting will feature invited sympo­ sia, general sessions, a short course, and a chemical exposition. Contrib­ uted papers are solicited for the gen­ eral technical-poster sessions in all areas of chemistry. Fourteen symposia featuring in­ vited papers will address a broad spectrum of chemistry and related topics. Highlights include a session on serendipity in chemistry, which boasts presentations by three Nobel Laureates, a symposium in honor of the late Roland Pettit, and, prior to the start of the meeting on Dec. 5, an

evening symposium/reception for high school teachers and students. General technical-poster sessions for contributed papers and a com­ prehensive exposition of scientific equipment, supplies, and educa­ tional materials are being orga­ nized. Special events will include pre­ sentation of the Southwest Regional Award and a two-day hands-on short course on Capillary Gas Chro­ matography. This short course will be held prior to the regional meet­ ing on Dec. 4-5. For additional in­ formation contact Linda Green, Chroma-Skills Inc., P.O. Box 98017, Suite 4C, Baton Rouge, La. 70898, phone (504) 766-2634, fax (504) 7662390. Authors who wish to present pa­ pers should submit abstracts by Aug. 15. Abstracts (150-200 words) on the standard ACS form (available from program or symposia chair­ men) are to be submitted in tripli­ cate (one camera-ready original; two photocopies) to the program chair­ men, James G. Traynham, phone (504) 388-3459; or Mark McLaugh­ lin, phone (504) 388-3236, Depart­ ment of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. 70803. For additional information, con­ tact the general chairman, William (Bill) H. Daly, Department of Chem­ istry, Louisiana State University, Ba­ ton Rouge, La. 70803, phone (504) 388-3237; or the exhibits chairman, G. C. Gaeke, Ethyl Corp., P.O. Box 14799, Baton Rouge, La. 70898, phone (504) 768-5865. D

MEETINGS June 26-July 1. Theory of Environ­ mental Effects on Molecular Struc­ ture & Chemical Reactivity. St. John's, Write Ray­ Note: For a more complete listing of addi­ mond A.Newfoundland. Poirier, Dept. of Chemistry, tional 1989 meetings, see C&EN, Dec. 12, Memorial U, St. John's, Newfound­ 1988, page 53. land A1B 3X7, Canada June 28-30. Intl. Congress on Technolo­ June 23. 1st Ann. Superconductivity gy & Technology Exchange. New York Technology Transfer Conf. Washing­ City. Call Ruby Glasgow, (412) 795-5300 ton, D.C. Call Rob Kiernan, Council June 29. Symp. on Physico-Chemical on Superconductivity for American Aspects of Soil, Rock & Related Mat­ Competitiveness, Washington, D.C, erials. St. Louis. Call Marsha Firman, (202) 965-4070 ASTM, Philadelphia, (215) 299-5481 June 25-30. 8th European Congress of July 3-7. 11th Intl. Conf. on Phospho­ Clinical Chemistry. Milan, Italy. rus Chemistry. Tallinn, U.S.S.R. Write ICPC Conf. Secretariat, Tallinn Tech­ Write Carlo Franzini, Lab Analisi, nical U, Ehitajate tee 5, Tallinn 200108, Ospedale Civile, 20017 Rho-Milano, U.S.S.R. D Italy

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